Cobra Marine VHF Radios: The Complete Range Guide

Why Every Boater Needs a Marine VHF Radio

Whether you're navigating the Hauraki Gulf, fishing off the Coromandel, or cruising the Marlborough Sounds, a marine VHF radio is one of the most critical pieces of safety equipment on board. Unlike a mobile phone — which can lose signal, get wet, or run flat at the worst possible moment — a dedicated marine VHF radio is purpose-built for the water. It gives you direct access to emergency channel 16, real-time NOAA weather alerts, and the ability to communicate with other vessels and coastguard at the push of a button.

Cobra has been a trusted name in marine communications for over 50 years. Their handheld VHF radio lineup is engineered for reliability, durability, and ease of use — whether you're a weekend sailor or a seasoned offshore skipper. At LX2001, we stock the full Cobra range so you can find exactly the right radio for your needs and budget.

Here's a deep dive into every model in the Cobra handheld marine VHF range.

The Cobra Handheld VHF Radio Lineup at a Glance

All Cobra handheld VHF radios share a core set of features that make them reliable on the water:

• Floating design — an orange core ensures the radio is visible and retrievable if dropped overboard
• IPX7/JIS7 waterproofing — fully submersible to 1 metre for 30 minutes
• NOAA Weather Radio — instant access to 10 NOAA weather channels with audible and visual weather alerts
• Channel 16/9 instant access — one-touch access to the international distress and calling channel
• USA, Canada & International channel maps — operate anywhere in the world
• Noise-cancelling microphone — clear communication even in rough conditions

From there, each model adds progressively more capability. Let's break them down.

Cobra MR HH150 FLT — The Entry-Level Workhorse

Best for: Beginners, casual boaters, and budget-conscious buyers

The Cobra MR HH150 FLT is the ideal starting point for anyone new to marine VHF radio. Don't let the "entry-level" label fool you — this radio punches well above its price point.

It features a 3-watt VHF output with selectable low, medium, and high power settings, giving you flexibility for short-range harbour communication or longer-range open water calls. The large, easy-to-read display and signal strength indicators make it simple to operate even in challenging conditions.

The floating design and IPX7 waterproofing mean you can use it with confidence on any vessel. It runs on 5 x 850mAh AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries (included), making it easy to keep topped up between trips.

Key specs:

• RF Output: 0.5, 1 or 3 Watts
• Channels: All US, Canadian & International + 10 NOAA Weather
• Battery: 5 x AAA NiMH rechargeable (included)
• Dimensions: 116.84mm H x 68.58mm W x 38.1mm D
• Weight: 227g (without batteries)

If you want a reliable, no-fuss VHF radio that covers all the essentials, the MR HH150 is the one to start with.

Cobra MR HH350 FLT — The Best Value in the Range

Best for: Regular boaters who want more power and features without breaking the bank

Cobra themselves describe the MR HH350 FLT as "the best value in our handheld VHF radio line up" — and it's easy to see why. Backed by 50 years of Cobra quality, this radio steps up to 6 watts of output power, giving you significantly greater range for open water communication.

The MR HH350 adds a backlit display for easy reading in low-light conditions, along with Tri-Watch (monitors channel 16 plus two other channels simultaneously), Memory Channels, Memory Scan, and BURP (Built-Up Receiver Purge — a clever feature that clears water from the speaker). The noise-cancelling microphone ensures your transmissions are clear even in choppy conditions.

It runs on a Cobra lithium-ion battery pack (CM 110-025), and an optional battery tray is available if you prefer to use standard AA batteries as a backup.

Key specs:

• RF Output: 1, 3 or 6 Watts
• Channels: All US, Canadian & International + 10 NOAA Weather
• Battery: Cobra Battery Pack CM 110-025 (Li-Ion)
• Dimensions: 123mm H x 62mm W x 36mm D
• Weight: 272g (with battery)

The MR HH350 is the sweet spot for most recreational boaters — more power, more features, and still excellent value.

Cobra MR HH500 FLT BT — Bluetooth Connectivity Meets Marine VHF

Best for: Tech-savvy boaters who want to keep their phone safe and dry

The Cobra MR HH500 FLT BT is where the range starts to get seriously impressive. Building on the solid foundation of the MR HH350, the HH500 adds two standout features: Bluetooth® wireless connectivity and Rewind-Say-Again® technology.

Bluetooth connectivity means you can pair your smartphone to the radio and make or receive phone calls directly through the VHF handset — keeping your phone safely stowed below deck or in a dry bag. It's a genuinely useful feature for anyone who wants to stay connected without exposing their phone to spray and salt.

Rewind-Say-Again® is a game-changer for busy channels. The radio automatically records the last 20 seconds of any VHF transmission, so if you miss a call or a weather update, you can instantly play it back. No more asking for repeats on a busy channel.

Like the HH350, the HH500 delivers 6 watts of output power and features the signature orange-core floating design. The noise-cancelling microphone ensures clear transmissions even in rough weather.

Key specs:

• RF Output: 1, 3 or 6 Watts
• Channels: All US, Canadian & International + 10 NOAA Weather
• Battery: Cobra Battery Pack CM 110-026 (Li-Ion)
• Dimensions: 121mm H x 67mm W x 53mm D
• Weight: 262g (with battery)
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Rewind-Say-Again®: Yes (20-second buffer)

If you want the convenience of Bluetooth and the peace of mind of Rewind-Say-Again®, the MR HH500 is a compelling upgrade.

Cobra MR HH600 FLT GPS BT — The Flagship: GPS, Bluetooth & Emergency Strobe

Best for: Offshore boaters, serious sailors, and anyone who prioritises safety above all else

The Cobra MR HH600 FLT GPS BT is the top of the range — and it shows. This is the radio you want when you're heading offshore, crossing a bar, or operating in conditions where safety is paramount.

The headline feature is the built-in GPS receiver. The MR HH600 displays your exact GPS coordinates on screen and — critically — can automatically transmit your precise location when making a DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress call. In an emergency, this could be the difference between a fast rescue and a prolonged search. DSC is the modern standard for maritime distress signalling, and having GPS-integrated DSC on a handheld radio is a feature previously reserved for fixed-mount units.

The MR HH600 also includes all the features of the HH500 — Bluetooth® connectivity for hands-free phone calls and Rewind-Say-Again® for 20-second call playback — plus one more critical safety addition: a built-in flashlight with emergency strobe. If you're in the water at night, that strobe could save your life.

The illuminated crystal-clear display is easy to read in all conditions, and the radio delivers the same 6-watt output power as the rest of the upper range.

Key specs:

• RF Output: 1, 3 or 6 Watts
• Channels: All US, Canadian & International + 10 NOAA Weather
• Battery: Cobra Battery Pack CM 110-034 (Li-Ion)
• Dimensions: 131mm H x 72mm W x 47mm D
• Weight: 329g (with battery)
• GPS: Built-in (with DSC location transmission)
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Rewind-Say-Again®: Yes (20-second buffer)
• Flashlight/Emergency Strobe: Yes

If you're serious about safety on the water, the MR HH600 is the definitive choice.

Cobra Accessories: Keep Your Radio Ready

A great radio is only as good as its accessories. LX2001 stocks the full range of Cobra accessories to keep your radio performing at its best:

Lapel Microphone for Cobra Handheld Radio

A compact speaker/microphone that clips to your jacket or life vest, keeping your hands free while you navigate. It includes an earphone jack for private listening (earphone not included) and is compatible with the MR HH325, HH330, HH350, HH425, HH450, HH475, HH500, and HH600. An included adapter cable also makes it compatible with the MR HH100 and HH125, as well as Microtalk walkie-talkies.

Cobra Battery Tray (MR HH350/500)

An optional battery tray for the MR HH350, HH450, and HH500 that allows you to use standard AA batteries as a backup power source. Ideal for extended trips where you may not have access to a charger.

Cobra Battery Pack (MR HH500)

A genuine Cobra replacement lithium-ion battery pack (CPL523450, 1000mAh, 7.4V) for the MR HH500. Keep a spare on board so you're never caught short.

Cobra Antenna (MR HH350)

A genuine Cobra replacement antenna (CM 300-002) for the MR HH350 and HH500. If your antenna is damaged, a replacement is essential for maintaining full radio performance.

Which Cobra VHF Radio Is Right for You?

Here's a quick summary to help you choose:

• MR HH150 FLT — Entry-level, 3W, floating, IPX7. Best for: casual boaters, harbour use, budget buyers.
• MR HH350 FLT — Best value, 6W, backlit display, Tri-Watch, BURP. Best for: regular recreational boaters.
• MR HH500 FLT BT — 6W + Bluetooth + Rewind-Say-Again®. Best for: tech-savvy boaters who want phone integration.
• MR HH600 FLT GPS BT — 6W + GPS + DSC + Bluetooth + Emergency Strobe. Best for: offshore boating, serious sailors, maximum safety.

All models are available now at LX2001. If you're unsure which radio is right for your situation, feel free to get in touch — we're happy to help you find the perfect fit for your vessel and the waters you navigate.

About Cobra

Cobra Electronics has been designing and manufacturing communications equipment for over 50 years. From their origins in CB radio to their current marine, radar detector, and action camera product lines, Cobra has built a reputation for rugged, reliable products that perform when it matters most. Their marine VHF radio lineup reflects decades of refinement — every feature is there for a reason, and every radio is built to survive the harsh marine environment.

At LX2001, we're proud to be your New Zealand source for the full Cobra marine range. Shop the collection online or contact us for expert advice.